JANUARY 2023

  January 29, 2023

Jan 23 ~ KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. KL bird park and KL tower, food market, rooftop swim, dinner (salad in a jar), 5 Crowns

Jan 24 ~ Petronas Tower tour; walkway on floor 41, views on 86, great photos, taxi back to room to watch Entrapment, snacks and pack.

Jan 25 ~ early flight to TOKYO, JAPAN. Met by Greg’s friend Sakura and escorted to Hotel Fresa Inn.

Jan 26 ~ Sadly Lane is ill and rests in our tiny room, Carolyn has a day in the city. Ropponging Hills Mall, TCV Tokyo City view, steamed buns, Cinnabon.  In the afternoon, Sakura tours me to the Sen Temple, dinner, Mr Doughnut, train ride ‘home’.

Jan 27 ~  Lane joins us for the best Bonsai Garden, Tony Roma Dinner.  Back home to pack and I enjoy a 3-hour hot bath.

Jan 28 ~  Due to the cold of Japan and the same is anticipated in South Korea we decide to fly straight home.  South Korea can wait.  We’ve been gone for 47 days. 

Jan 29 ~ It’s so good to be home!!! (for 9 days)

Calendar dates:

Jan 29 ~ Jami Robison celebrates 3 dozen years!

Feb 3 ~ sweet Genevieve Howell is 🖐🏻

Feb 4 ~ Callie Gerber knows 38 is great!

Feb 4 ~ Rayson Gerber feels alive at 45!

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

January 22, 2023

Jan 16 ~ BALI (repeat of April 2018)…still phenomenal!…hire a car/driver, visit Mason Elephant Refuge, Express Giant Swing, Restaurant lunch, dash back to boat, 4:30 arrival on the dot!  Whew. 

Jan 17 ~ DAY AT JAVA SEA…rest my sunburnt(?) lower lip.  Reduce talking, eating, swallowing. I’ve been fighting some type of rare flesh eating virus I got on Komodo Island last Saturday.  J/K.  It’s probably just some weird sunburn I got in the Great Barrier Reef.  Weird because it was only 1/2 of my bottom lip and I used sunscreen, Lane did not, and it’s progressively worse after day 10!!!

Jan 18 ~ FINAL DAY AT SEA…resting my lip and hiding behind a face mask.  Cross equator, pack up our room.

Jan 19 ~ This 30-day cruise ends today…in SINGAPORE!!!  4 hrs late disembarking, short on taxi’s so we hike the 2.5 miles to our room in Chinatown, in the rain.  Check-in, buy snacks and an umbrella.  Rest.  Walk to Holy Crab for expensive crab that is too spicy to eat.  After a rinse we can still barely eat it. 

Jan 20 ~ SINGAPORE…Hop on/Hop off bus, both routes.

Jan 21 ~ SINGAPORE…Subway (MRT) to Sentosa - Skyline Luge, Gardens by the Bay (Super Trees, Flower Dome) pack up

Jan 22 ~ Taxi to church, bus to Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia.  Hotel Stripes.  Bricks n Bread…best Grilled Cheese EVAH!!!     

Calendar dates:

Jan 23 ~ KC Bell blows out 37 candles!

Jan 26 ~ Shalaun Howell celebrates 42 years!

Jan 27 ~ We fly to JAPAN 🇯🇵 

Jan 28 ~ Spencer Howell learns its great to be 8!

Jan 29 ~ Jami Robison is a young 3 dozen y.o. 

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

January 15, 2023

DAYS AT SEA AND INDONESIA

Jan 9 ~ Today is Monday and a DAY AT SEA…but it is also our substitute Sabbath.  We read conference talks and our “Come Follow Me” lesson before being served fish tacos and chocolate delight in the Dining Room!

Jan 10 ~ DAY AT SEA…relax, read, lido, promenade, shop for new watch

Jan 11 ~ DAY AT ARAFURA SEA…extreme leisure living

Jan 12 ~ DARWIN…Hop on/Hop off bus, steps, souvenir pins, chocolates, 

Sail-Away…Farewell AUSTRALIA!!! Right side up downunder

Jan 13 ~ DAY AT ARAFURA SEA…Hiding my sunburned lips (from Great Barrier Reef?) and they keep getting worse. Day 5. 

Jan 14 ~ KOMODO ISLAND…big breakfasts, pack water, binocs, sunscreen, long sleeves, brim hats, good walking shoes…tender to shore to locate 7-8 Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park*.

*Lane got overheated and exhausted.  So much help.  One man shared mints, a girl shared a fan, a guide provided a portable chair, a shop owner shared a bench and pillow, cruise couple got us next in line for the tender.

Jan 15 ~  LEMBAR, LOMBOK ISLAND…Hire a car/driver.  Visit mosque, street corn, market fruits, visit drivers home and extended family.

15th ~ Samie & Ben Hale celebrate their 1sty wedding anniversary!

19th ~ we walk off this ship and tour Singapore 🇸🇬 for 3 days!!!

21st ~ Thatcher Kelley turns 7, Happy Day!!!

22nd ~ we catch a bus to Malaysia 🇲🇾 

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

PS 

When I hit a rough patch in life, our Savior understands perfectly what I’m going through. He will give me the strength I need to not only get through it but become a better person in the process. I know he will do the same for YOU! 

January 8, 2023

Gah-day Mates!

2 glorious events occurred this past week. 

1st 
What would you do if you were transported to Sydney, Australia for 5 hours?  Every photo in this collage has the Opera House in it. We awoke at 3:30 am to observe our cruise ship passing the iconic Sydney Opera Hall and under the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Then during our hours in port we strolled its circumference and over the bridge. By then the day was done and we hurried to our balcony for the sail-away shots!

2nd 
What would you do during a tourist excursion if you had 8 hours in Cairns, Australia?  We skipped Cairns altogether and spent 8 hours transporting to and snorkeling in The Great Barrier Reef.  We wore ‘stinger suits’ as protection from jelly fish and sting rays…but mostly to save the reef from sunscreen slathered bodies - seriously. 

Remarkable, in deed!

Coming this week:
9th~Audrey is a totally terrific 15!
10th~Darren & Stephanie celebrate 9 years
11th~Carlie marks a marvelous 23rd year!
12th~we visit Darwin, Australia and sail towards Indonesia 🇮🇩 
14th~Meredith finishes up her 30’s with flair
14th~Cameron is still on the sunny side of 50
14th~we search for Komodo Dragons 
15th~Samie & Ben have accomplished 1 yr of marriage and are setting impressive goals!
(Some bday gifts will arrive late…sorry)

We love you forever,
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

PS I have always been a slow reader but I want to be well read so I brought 4 books on this cruise and have finished them all. That’s a big accomplishment for me. I also brought the October Conference Talks - Journal Edition 2022. I’m finding it very helpful. One of my favorite talks so far is by Elder Hugo Montoya. 

I share his quote and ask a follow up question of you.

“My wife and I always try to be there for our children at any time, under any condition, and by any means. Each child is unique; their worth to God is great, and no matter what challenges, sins, and weaknesses they have, God loves them, and so do we.”

I ask if the reverse is not also true?  Every parents worth to God is great, and no matter what challenges, sins, and weaknesses they have, God loves them, and so do we…

We appreciate when you forgive our sins and are understanding of our weaknesses and choices. Thank you for loving us!!!

Breakdown by day:

Jan 2 ~ Day at sea.  Leisure living at its best. Coloring club.

Jan 3 ~ SYDNEY!  We awake at 3:30th to see the night lights as we enter Sydney, pass the Opera House and pass under the Harbor Bridge.  Day trip to walk the perimeter of the iconic Opera house and do the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk.  Very memorable day of this 30-day cruise.

Jan 4 ~ Day at Sea.  Lazy buggers. Relax, sudokus, movies, sleep

Jan 5 ~ MORETON ISLAND!  Swim, skinny dip😳, buy snacks and chocolate

Jan 6 ~ Day at sea. 5 Crowns, on board trivia game, evening stretch, Main       stage comedian.

Jan 7 ~ AIRLIE BEACH!  Tender to shore.  Tuk-tuk ride, swim in lagoon,

Jan 8 ~ CAIRNS & THEE GREAT BARRIER REEF!  7.5 hr excursion - snorkeling tour of reef, lunch, more snorkeling, exhausting, humid, hot, beautiful, wonderful, memorable.

January 1, 2023

Happy New Year.  We made it to Australia…our final continent!  It’s been very exciting. We are seeing, doing, hearing, feeling and tasting the iconic Aussie lifestyle. 

Wombats, Tasmanian devils, Kookaburras, Roos, tall trees, lush undergrowth, falling water, farms, cities, pavlova, sheep, heat, humidity, hikes, beaches, reefs, floral life, produce, culture, global diversity, national pride, talent, kindness. 

Sunday we found a congregation just in time for Sacrament meeting to begin…in Samoan😳.  We were blessed!  We then strolled the city streets of Melbourne (pronounced Mel-bin). Temps reached 104°!  I’ve attended 3 sessions of Cruise Coloring. Delightful and relaxing. 

Coming soon:
Jan 1st ~ Abriam Buggs turns 28
Jan 1st ~ Malcolm West gets birthday cake!
Jan 2nd ~ Michael Hill is now 31
Jan 5th ~ Sadie celebrates year 7!
Jan 6th ~ Sarah & Matt Lindeman married 2 years!

Jan 1-8 ~ we spend our time cruising the east coast of Australia!!!

We love you forever!! 
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

Breakdown by day:

Dec 26th ~ Dunedin, New Zealand.  No excursion today.

Dec 27th ~ New Zealand Fiordland National Park.  Dusky Sound.

                 Great balcony views. Promenade laps. Coloring for adults.

                 Movie “Hunt for the Wilder People”.  Great food.

Dec 28th ~ Day at Sea. Solid leisure livin. Sleeping in.  3 movies. Room 

                 service.

Dec 29th ~ Day at Sea.  Yada-yada-yada.  Banana bread French toast.  

                 Crab-asparagus eggs Benedict.  5 Crowns. Pinacolada   

                 mocktails. Puzzles. Etc.

Dec 30th ~ Hobart/Hamilton, TASMANIA, Australia

                   Bongorong Wildlife Park: wombats, Tasmanian devils,   

                   kookaburras, feed roos 

                   Mt Field National Park: tall trees walk, Russell Falls, ferns

                   Curringa Farm: sheep shearing, sheep dog show, BBQ lunch

Dec 31st ~ Day at Sea. Swim, hot tub, promanade walk, sudokus,  

                 R.E.L.A.X.

Jan 1st ~ Melbourne (Mel-bin). tram to city center, Uber to Samoan Ward.

               Super hot day.  Stroll and tram around the city.  Very Beautiful 

               also.

DECEMBER 2022

December 25, 2022

👏🏻Lane paid for extra WiFi aboard the cruise ship and we are learning how to juggle it between our 4 devices…

This week we explored more of Auckland with the traditional and popular Heritage Walk from Takapuna to Milford.  

We took a recommendation to try “Honest Chocolate”, a chocotissary in Commercial Bay.  We ordered “The Volcano”, a superb hot chocolate.  

Our day ended by watching “The Holiday” movie back at our B&B on my i-pad.  It may not be looking like Christmas where we are but singing Christmas hymns and watching Christmas movies helps to bring the spirit of Christmas to wherever we are.

Our cruise began in Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday, December 20th.  We checked out of our B&B, returned our rental car, shuttled to the airport, bused to Central City, at our last pre-cruise meal at Denny’s of all places and then walked 1/2 mile to Queen’s Port.    

It began “full speed ahead”  at the Lido, a check-in to our balcony room, later a salmon dinner and a late showing of “A Christmas Story” in the ships theater.  30 days of this is gonna be marvelous!!!

We enjoyed 5 ports of call in New Zealand. The National Fiordlands park was incredible. 
Our weather was super nice. CHRISTmas day was spent ‘at sea’…just off the coast of New Zealand.
~ an outstanding brunch
~ Come Follow Me lesson
~ Luke 2 reading and nativity videos
~ It’s a Wonderful Life in the ships theater
  (My favorite fictional holiday movie)
~ a ham dinner
~ everything was perfect except for one thing…YOU were not here!😭

FYI: 🎀  In case you missed their darling announcement on FB we share Darren & Stephanie Hill’s announcement of a baby girl arriving in early July!  Congrats!!!

We do miss you so much. And we love you, each and every one, FOREVER!
Cheers! Momma C & Dad Lane

We are living in some pretty marvelous and miraculous times. We experienced a miracle recently as we drove 3 hours, late at night, in the rain, on unfamiliar twisty mountain roads, AND on the left side to return from an unanticipated Māori BBQ in Rotorua to Auckland by midnight.  We were nervous, drained, and prayerful. 

These marvelous times are often chaotic and stressful, sometimes contentious. Toss in natural disasters, disease, unrest, violence and evil acts and if I’m not focused on faith that God is all knowing and just I might feel a sense of gloom and hopelessness. So I keep choosing a simple faith. It IS powerful! I feel peace despite the turmoil. Choosing God can  uplift, in a world intent on putting down.  Life is filled with wonder. Explore. Hug each other. Forgive. 

C U in 2023🥰

December 18, 2022

13th  flights to San Francisco and then on to Fiji

14th  crossed the dateline and lost this day

15th  arrived in Nadi, Fiji and immediately changed for a day cruise in hot weather.  (Snorkeling, BBQ, swim, slide, dancing). Coconut shrimp, fish’n’chips and pinacolada at Port Denarau Marina.

16th  Short night at the Fiji Gateway Hotel before an early shuttle to Fiji Airways and we are off to Auckland, New Zealand.  

Key memories from our land tour of New Zealand:

16th  B&B with a great view!

LaRosa Italian, the best ever Italian restaurant (Pink Panther drink, raspberry lemonade with whipped cream and sprinkles)

17th  Road trip to Hamilton for some time in the temple.

On to Rotorua…Māori village, the Hakka, dinner, pavlova

18th  We enjoyed visiting the ward which was super friendly and served a mini-meal.  Lastly, we drove to Pina Black Sand Beach.  It was glorious!

Calendar Reminders:

Dec 19th ~ Paden turns FIVE…nifty!
Dec 19th ~ Lee celebrates reaching double digits (10)

December 20th ~ our 30 day cruise begins!!!

December 11, 2022

For our Utah based family members, and anyone else interested…

A Shepherds Dinner collage - SOUTH EDITION (Saturday, Dec 10th)

Featuring nibbles and grub from Hills, Bullocks, Scotts, and Linc & Carrie’s families. Also included were Justin, Lindemans, Spallinos and Lizzie (she’s with Matthew😉).
It was a starry night and held on the hillside next to Lincoln’s gym.  Thank you to all who attended. It was gratifying for me to slow down and reflect, even if only for a few precious hours with you!


A Shepherds Dinner collage - NORTH EDITION (Sunday, Dec 11th)

More choice and delectable edibles insured that every shepherd was filled. Those finding refuge in the Hadley homestead were Greg & Jennifer, joined by Zachery, Brock and the Hale’s.  Tom and Shalaun’s family made the trek along with the Bells.  All were pleased to welcome Mike’s 3 kids, Kierstin, Camden and Kira (+ 1) and Mike’s mother. Thank you Hadleys for hosting!  

Greg, Zachery and Jennifer provided music to close out the evening and then we hurried home ahead of a storm.  

Observation: not all beautiful people are good but all good people are beautiful! 
Thanks for your goodness!!!

Happy CHRISTmas!!!

We love you all forever,
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

To finish out the month: 
Dec 13th ~ Shalaun & Tom have been married 19 years, CONGRATS!
Dec 13th ~ we delayed our departure one day and are in San Francisco waiting for our flight to Fiji. (Be home by Feb 1st)
It’s best to reach us by email. But phones and texts might work. 
Dec 19th ~ Paden turns FIVE…nifty!
Dec 19th ~ Lee celebrates reaching double digits (10)
Dec 28th ~ Lincoln marks his 45th year of awesomeness!

January birthday gifts may arrive late

December 4, 2022

Weeks whiz by faster, don’t they?

- A Christmas pillowcase for Charlie
- Brennan’s after concert photo
- Maggie & Isaac’s gingerbread house
- sisters
- we sold our sweet car 🚙 (thx Bullocks for the loaner car)
- G’ma Frosty ☃️ 🤣
- private concert by Jennifer, her niece & SIL
- a dinner out with my Mother & David

Three years ago we held multiple Shepherd’s Dinners. Remember?  This weekend we’ll have 2 more. Watch for details by text Monday…


Coming soon:
Dec 8 - Gabriela’s b-day🎈(Mrs Joseph Hill)
Dec 8 - Roy turns fabulous 40!!! 🎂 
Dec 10 - Stephen celebrates being 19 🥳
Dec 10 - Shepherd’s Dinner South
Dec 11 - Shepherd’s Dinner North
Dec 12 - Our flight to Fiji, etc, etc, etc
          (brief stop in SLC Feb 1 - 6)
One day in December - our new car will be delivered to DayBreak
May 31 - we return to Utah

During our travels you may experience a respite from my Recaps. Please email us when you can!  We’ll miss you. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

NOVEMBER 2022

November 27, 2022

Thanksgiving in the Great NorthWest!

A smattering of photos displaying the variety of events.  Playing Façade Games, a temple trip with Dalia, SIL twins, a ping pong threat, pies (can you guess which one is faux?), everyone is a turkey, bonfire from cement framings, Brian’s vision of the feast setting, the buffet, me with 2 of my babes, Jerry’s poultry concoction! Also a coloring contest drawn by Violet and a talent show. 

Such minute beauty at every step on the Hansen creek trail. I gushed at all the choices for a natural table runner. 

Next on to Cam & Kim’s.  We missed Anissa & Abriam but arrived in time for Lane to take Kim’s ticket to the Oregon vs Oregon State 🏈 rivalry. After the right win we enjoyed games, pies, YSA’s, movies and rest. Thank you guys. We’ll be back!

It was a wonderful week. After counting the hundreds of things we are thankful for we first and foremost are grateful for the one gift that always rises to the top…the God-given blessing of YOU, our cherished family!

Coming soon:
Nov 29th - Brennan’s choir concert
Nov 30th - we drive back to SLC
Dec 1st - CHRISTmas countdown begins

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

November 20, 2022

I spent Tuesday the 15th with my mother, raking leaves for her and thoroughly enjoying her company. She dotes extremely well and spoils me plenty.

We are seriously considering selling our workhorse of a treasured Honda C-RV.  The bear repairs are complete and it’s looking really great.

Grandma’s Christmas workshop has been operating overtime in preparation for our holiday trips.  Washington & Oregon for Thanksgiving and a cruise ‘down under’ for Christmas & New Years.

On Friday the 18th we got a do-over for Claire’s 3rd birthday party…at the Kangaroo Zoo in PG.  Bounce houses, blow up slides and mazes, topped off with pizza, cupcakes and a very delightful birthday girl. 

The next morning we took a road trip to Lake Stevens, WA.  With a 5 a.m. start time, clear skies, and clear roads we arrived just over 12 hours later!  We merged immediately into their family routine; running carpool, playing games, and checking band homework.

Coming soon:

November 24th ~ Kira Hadley turned 19 on Turkey day!

November 26th ~ Hansen’s 18th wedding anniversary is this Saturday!

November 27th ~ We drive to Albany to visit Cam & Kim

November 29th ~ Attend a choir concert in Eugene to see Brennan perform.

November 30th ~ Good weather permitting, drive back to DayBreak.

Shepherds Dinner December 10th - Altered to include Hills, Bullocks, Scotts and DayBreak Howells.  (Still hoping for a volunteer host.)

Shepherds Dinner December 11th - Altered to include Hadley’s, Greg, Jennifer and family, Centerville Howells, and Bells. (Held at Hadley’s new home)

December 12th - G’pa and I fly to Fiji and then fly, cruise, or bus to 7 other countries. Due to return February 1st, 2023.

Are you really going to the Black Friday Sale?  

Didn’t you just say you were grateful for everything you had yesterday?  Make it a stress free holiday season.  

I have new emails added for Dalia and Tesila Hansen.  Anyone else?

Please stay in touch.  We care about what you are doing!!!  Thank you for the mission letters from Elder Josh.  Stay unstoppable dude!

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane. (G&G Howell)

November 13, 2022

Sunday salutations!

An 18th birthday for Scott.

A Relief Society party.

A BBQ to celebrate the wedding of my niece. 

A Veteran’s Day concert with Luke on percussion.

A bunch of hodge podge events filled in the cracks. Bullocks have a grand-dog. A day with my mother.  Isaac’s final Primary Program. That’s huge!!!

This week:

Monday the 14th ~ Matthew turns TWENTY!!

Saturday the 19th ~ we start a NW road-trip

Announcing 2 Shepherd’s Dinners!!

Saturday, December 10th 

SOUTH families; namely Bells, Bullocks, Scotts, Daybreak Howells, RayDean’s family

(Would one family be willing to host this group?)

Sunday, December 11th at Hadley’s Home

NORTH families; namely Hadleys, Greg, Jennifer & kids, Centerville Howells

[details forthcoming]

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

November 6, 2022

Halloween is so last week.  If you check closely you’ll see we blend in perfectly with the Assorted Nuts at WINCO.

The main highlight occurred last evening in the form of a FHEvening of Art & Music. Chris agreed to showcase his Oreo Sculpts…indeed the Utah Premiere…at a private event for family.  The outpouring of support was overwhelming!  Christopher’s gifts are never ending!  Our grandkid’s musical performances are astonishing!  

Special thanks to Tagg, Emy, Audrey, Slater, Adelaide and Sabrina…with special prelude from Isaac, Luke and Lincoln.  I wish I’d taken more photos.  Sorry if I didn’t capture each of you.  It truly was a magical night.  The hour zoomed by and suddenly it was over and we were home again…grateful and loving you all even more, if that’s possible.  Several were absent - including 6 families now residing out-of-state.  We understand.  We missed you.  Get well Roy and Charlie!

Everyone…have a fantastic week!  

Some days you’ll move mountains.  Other days you’ll move from the bed to the couch.  Both are okay and necessary. - peace, love & positivity

Announcements:
Dalia’s got her best time in Washington State XC meet Saturday.
Jennifer has full movement in her left arm (after surgery and 9 pins) yet still deals with pain.
Adelaide and Sabrina are finalists for the Ogden piano festival.
Mike starts a new job TODAY!
Lane has embraced doing laundry!
Claire turned 3 yesterday and among other things received a “big sister” shirt!!!!!!!!!!
Scott celebrates being an official adult on Thursday.

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)